Hyderabad: Excessive screen exposure, endless notifications, late night calls, virtual meetings and work-related pressure is making several Information Technology (IT) employees reach out to mental health experts to deal with ‘technostress’.An emerging concern among IT employees is ‘technostress’, which is mental fatigue caused by digital engagement beyond a certain limit, said a psychologist associated with a prominent MNC.Observing that there is a rise in work pressure and a feeling of burnout that is impacting IT employees, many software firms are now appointing counsellors or collaborating with organisations that provide mental health professionals as part of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for employees.Across corporate offices in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune, counselling services are gradually becoming a part of workplace culture as companies attempt to look after the increasing concerns related to stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion among employees.“Burnout is no longer just about feeling tired after work,” said Dr Ashwinii NV, a psychologist who is associated with corporate wellness programmes. “Many employees feel emotionally exhausted, mentally drained and disconnected from work even after taking breaks. Constant deadlines, pressure to perform, night calls and the expectation to always stay available are causing a significant impact,” he said.Mental health experts say anxiety among IT employees has also increased significantly in recent years, driven by fears of layoffs, job insecurity and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence replacing jobs.Psychologists say common signs of burnout include irritability, disturbed sleep, emotional withdrawal and a gradual decline in motivation to work, and is mostly seen in younger employees. They add that younger staffers are more willing to seek therapy and counselling compared to previous generations, as awareness around mental health slowly improves.Many organisations are now introducing preventive initiatives such as stress management workshops, emotional resilience sessions and mental health programmes for managers, alongside confidential counselling support through EAPs and in-house therapists.“In an industry where people are constantly expected to perform and upgrade themselves, employees are slowly realising that the mind also needs care and support,” added Dr Ashwinii.
